Back to GetFilings.com




U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2004

 

Commission file number 0-14800

 


 

X-RITE, INCORPORATED

(Name of registrant as specified in charter)

 


 

Michigan   38-1737300
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

3100 44th Street S.W., Grandville, Michigan 49418

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

616-534-7663

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

On November 1, 2004, the number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.10 per share outstanding was 20,859,465.

 

Exhibit Index is located at Page 20.

 



X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 Financial Statements

 

     October 2,
2004


    January 3,
2004


 
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 9,646     $ 10,752  

Short-term investments

     3,124       3,350  

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,694 in 2004 and $1,527 in 2003

     18,311       22,815  

Inventories

     17,557       16,014  

Deferred taxes

     2,137       1,656  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,894       1,526  
    


 


       52,669       56,113  

Property plant and equipment:

                

Land

     2,278       2,278  

Buildings and improvements

     17,187       17,123  

Machinery and equipment

     19,056       17,136  

Furniture and office equipment

     19,161       18,524  

Construction in progress

     807       696  
    


 


       58,489       55,757  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (36,134 )     (35,564 )
    


 


       22,355       20,193  

Other assets:

                

Cash surrender values (founders policies)

     25,203       21,044  

Goodwill

     7,019       7,008  

Capitalized software (net of accumulated amortization of $4,646 in 2004 and $5,943 in 2003)

     4,334       3,727  

Other intangible assets

     4,145       4,594  

Deferred taxes

     5,185       5,662  

Other noncurrent assets

     2,698       1,342  
    


 


       48,584       43,377  
    


 


     $ 123,608     $ 119,683  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 

2


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – Continued

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     October 2,
2004


    January 3,
2004


 
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 3,000     $ 4,574  

Accrued liabilities:

                

Payroll and employee benefits

     6,781       8,501  

Income taxes

     2,607       2,378  

Other

     2,355       2,761  
    


 


       14,743       18,214  

Long term liabilities:

                

Deferred gain on sale of assets

     337       —    

Value of shares subject to redemption agreements; 3,420,000 shares issued and outstanding, in 2004 and 2003 respectively

     43,151       34,857  

Shareholders’ investment:

                

Common stock

     1,743       1,714  

Additional paid-in capital

     12,737       9,350  

Retained earnings

     49,425       53,627  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,920       1,944  

Stock conversion program

     (448 )     (23 )
    


 


       65,377       66,612  
    


 


     $ 123,608     $ 119,683  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 

3


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

    

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended


   

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended


 
     October 2,
2004


    September 27,
2003


    October 2,
2004


    September 27,
2003


 

Net sales

   $ 27,137     $ 26,818     $ 87,491     $ 78,640  

Cost of sales

     9,486       10,051       30,589       29,006  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     17,651       16,767       56,902       49,634  

Operating expenses:

                                

Selling and marketing

     7,669       8,124       24,111       22,480  

General and administrative

     4,314       3,943       12,670       11,761  

Research, development and engineering

     4,285       4,063       12,228       10,633  
    


 


 


 


       16,268       16,130       49,009       44,874  
    


 


 


 


Operating income

     1,383       637       7,893       4,760  

Interest expense, Founders’ stock redemption

     (60 )     (86 )     (8,551 )     (86 )

Interest expense

     (2 )     —         (54 )     —    

Other income (expense)

     65       (133 )     (266 )     215  

Write down of other investments, net

     —         —         —         (246 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,386       418       (978 )     4,643  

Income tax expense (credit)

     (157 )     117       1,926       1,369  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 1,543     $ 301     $ (2,904 )   $ 3,274  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted

   $ .07     $ .01     $ (.14 )   $ .16  
    


 


 


 


Cash dividends per share

   $ .025     $ .025     $ .075     $ .075  
    


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

    

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended


 
    

October 2,

2004


   

September 27,

2003


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (2,904 )   $ 3,274  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     4,338       4,191  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     176       336  

Deferred income taxes

     9       421  

Investment impairment

     —         246  

Increase in value of shares subject to redemption agreements

     8,294       —    

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     302       —    

Other

     (35 )     197  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from acquisitions:

                

Accounts receivable

     4,294       2,465  

Inventories

     (1,558 )     (750 )

Other current and noncurrent assets

     (981 )     (1,235 )

Accounts payable

     (1,587 )     (45 )

Income taxes payable

     226       (939 )

Other current and non current liabilities

     (1,752 )     1,061  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     8,822       9,222  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from sales of short-term investments

     2,685       7,234  

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments

     70       65  

Purchases of short-term investments

     (2,570 )     (570 )

Capital expenditures

     (4,702 )     (2,263 )

Increase in capitalized software

     (2,010 )     (1,541 )

Investment in founders life insurance, net

     (4,159 )     (4,388 )

Acquisitions

     (748 )     (9,436 )

Disposition of business assets

     125       —    

Other investing activities

     146       (1 )
    


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (11,163 )     (10,900 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Dividends paid

     (1,298 )     (1,433 )

Issuance of common stock

     2,506       465  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     1,208       (968 )

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     27       277  
    


 


NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,106 )     (2,369 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     10,752       10,100  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF QUARTER

   $ 9,646     $ 7,731  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by X-Rite, Incorporated (“X-Rite” or the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in X-Rite’s 2003 annual report on Form 10-K.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of October 2, 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

 

NOTE 2—NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In March 2004, The Emerging Issues Task Force completed its consensus on Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (EITF 03-01). In this consensus, the Task Force required certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to debt and marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity that are in an unrealized loss position at the balance sheet date but for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized. In addition, the Task Force developed a basic model in evaluating whether investments within the scope of EITF 03-1 have other-than-temporary impairment. The Company adopted the quantitative and qualitative disclosure provisions of the EITF as of January 3, 2004. The FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 03-1-1, Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1, The Meaning of Other Than Temporary Impairment, delaying the effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance of EITF 03-1 until certain implementation issues are addressed and a final FSP providing implementation guidance is issued. The final FSP providing implementation guidance is expected to be issued early in December 2004. Adoption of EITF 03-1 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

The consensus reached in EITF Issue 02-14, “Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments Other Than Common Stock” (Issue 02-14) requires an investor to apply the equity method of accounting when the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee and has an investment in common stock and/or in-substance common stock of the investee. Issue 02-14 provides guidance to determine whether an investor’s investment in an investee is “in-substance common stock” subject to the equity method of accounting and when that determination should be made and reconsidered. For investments that are determined to be in-substance common stock but were not accounted for under the equity method of accounting prior to Issue 02-14, the equity method of accounting should be applied effective for reporting periods beginning after September 15, 2004 and should be reported in the beginning of the reporting period of adoption similar to a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Adoption of Issue 02-14 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” as revised December 2003 (FIN 46(R)). The new rule requires that companies consolidate a variable interest entity if the company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities, or is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. We do not have any special purpose entities, as defined, nor have we acquired a variable interest in an entity where we are the primary beneficiary since January 31, 2003. The provisions of FIN 46(R) currently are required to be applied as of the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004, for variable interest entities in which we hold a variable interest that we acquired on or before January 31, 2003. Implementation of FIN 46 (R) did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 3—SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

 

The Company classifies all of its short-term investments as available-for-sale securities. Such short-term investments consist primarily of United States municipal securities, mutual funds, and corporate bonds, which are stated at market value, with unrealized gains and losses on such securities reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive loss in permanent shareholders’ investment. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for

 

6


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3—SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - continued

 

determining the cost of the securities. It is the Company’s intent to maintain a liquid portfolio to fund operating initiatives and other business opportunities as they arise; therefore, all securities are considered available-for-sale and are classified as current assets. The Company’s short-term investments are generally due on demand with no defined maturity.

 

The carrying amount of the Company’s short-term investments is shown in the table below: (in thousands)

 

     October 2, 2004

   January 3, 2004

     Cost

   

Market

Value


   Cost

   

Market

Value


Municipal securities

   $ 2,120     $ 2,120    $ 2,305     $ 2,305

Mutual funds

     1,530       995      1,530       1,036

Preferred stocks

     10       9      10       9
    


 

  


 

       3,660       3,124      3,845       3,350

Allowance for unrealized losses

     (536 )     —        (495 )     —  
    


 

  


 

Total

   $ 3,124     $ 3,124    $ 3,350     $ 3,350
    


 

  


 

 

Management has reviewed the unrealized losses in the Company’s mutual fund holdings as of October 2, 2004, and has determined that they are temporary in nature; accordingly, no losses have been recognized as of that date.

 

NOTE 4—INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consisted of the following: (in thousands)

 

     October 2,
2004


   January 3,
2004


Raw materials

   $ 6,373    $ 5,433

Work in process

     5,162      4,090

Finished goods

     6,022      6,491
    

  

Total

   $ 17,557    $ 16,014
    

  

 

NOTE 5—INVESTMENTS CARRIED AT COST

 

In 2000, the Company formed a strategic venture capital group XR Ventures, LLC (XRV), whose mission was to direct and manage the Company’s investments in start up companies in the high technology field. The Company retained a majority interest in XRV with the minority interest held by its mangers, Mr. James A. Knister and Dr. Peter M. Banks. Mr. Knister and Dr. Banks are also members of the Board of Directors of X-Rite, Incorporated. The Company funded acquisitions made by XRV and in exchange, will receive its investment back in full before any distributions are made. Subsequent to its formation, XRV has made investments in eleven different entities totaling $12.0 million. Each investment represented less than 20 percent of the ownership of the respective investee. Because the Company is unable to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of each respective investee, the investments were recorded at cost. The Company periodically evaluated the carrying value of each investment to determine whether a decline in fair value below the respective cost has occurred. If the decline was determined to be other than temporary, the carrying value was adjusted to the then current fair value and a loss was recognized. At various times in 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Company performed comprehensive assessments of the continuing value of each XR Ventures investment. Based on the erosion of the venture capital markets and the network middleware and tele/data communications sectors of the economy, the Company concluded that the value of certain investments had been permanently impaired. Therefore, the Company recorded charges of $3.7, $7.2 and $1.1 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively.

 

7


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5—INVESTMENTS CARRIED AT COST-continued

 

In 2002 and 2001 the Company concluded that it may not be able to realize tax benefits related to these impairments, therefore, it did not record a tax benefit at that time. In 2003, the Company re-evaluated that position and concluded the execution of certain qualified tax strategies which the Company is capable of completing, would allow for the realization of these tax benefits. Accordingly, a tax benefit of $2.8 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003 related to the prior year’s impairments.

 

At January 3, 2004, all venture capital investments have been fully impaired. Although XRV continues to hold positions in several portfolio companies, no future investments will be made except where necessary to protect an existing position.

 

NOTE 6—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

During 2003, the Company recorded goodwill in connection with two acquisitions. In April 2003, X-Rite, Ltd. recorded $1.1 million of goodwill in connection with its acquisition of the ccDot meter product line of Centurfax Ltd. for $1.56 million. In July 2003, X-Rite, Incorporated recorded $5.5 million of goodwill in connection with its acquisition of Monaco Systems, Inc. valued at $11.0 million in cash and stock. Annual impairment testing of the goodwill for these acquisitions will be conducted in the fourth quarter of each year beginning in 2004.

 

During 2003, the Company completed the annual impairment testing of goodwill as recorded by X-Rite, Mediterranee. This test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded their book value; therefore, no impairment charge was necessary.

 

A summary of changes in goodwill by reporting unit during the nine months ended October 2, 2004, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    

January 3 ,

2004


  

Foreign

Currency

Adjustments


   

October 2,

2004


Monaco Systems

   $ 5,532    $ —       $ 5,532

X-Rite, Ltd.

     1,243      13       1,256

X-Rite, Mediterranee

     233      (2 )     231
    

  


 

Total

   $ 7,008    $ 11     $ 7,019
    

  


 

 

A summary of changes in intangible assets during the nine months ended October 2, 2004, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    

January 3,

2004


  

Accumulated

Amortization


   

Foreign

Currency

Adjustments


   

October 2,

2004


Customer relationships

   $ 2,409    $ (174 )   $ —       $ 2,235

Trademarks and trade names

     931      (57 )     (1 )     873

Technology and patents

     721      (127 )     (2 )     592

Covenants

     533      (87 )     (1 )     445
    

  


 


 

Total

   $ 4,594    $ (445 )   $ (4 )   $ 4,145
    

  


 


 

 

Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets as of October 2, 2004 for each of the succeeding years is as follows: (in thousands)

 

Remaining 2004

   $ 222

2005

     563

2006

     561

2007

     556

2008

     337

 

8


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, the Company has elected to account for stock- based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.

 

The Company sets the exercise price of stock options granted equal to the market close on the date prior to the grant date; therefore, in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 no compensation expense is recorded.

 

The fair value of employee and outside director stock options has been estimated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model, as required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Black Scholes model is a trading option-pricing model that considers neither the non-traded nature of employee stock options, nor the restrictions on trading, lack of transferability or the ability of employees to forfeit the options prior to expiration. If the model adequately permitted consideration of these unique characteristics, the resulting estimate of the fair value of X-Rite’s stock options could be different.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s results as if it had recorded compensation expense for the 2004 and 2003 options grants: (in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
    

October 2,

2004


   

September 27,

2003


   

October 2,

2004


   

September 27,

2003


 

Net income (loss)

                                

As reported

   $ 1,543     $ 301     $ (2,904 )   $ 3,274  

Deduct: Compensation expense-fair value method

     (7 )     (227 )     (1,173 )     (462 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 1,536     $ 74     $ (4,077 )   $ 2,812  
    


 


 


 


Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported

   $ .07     $ .01     $ (.14 )   $ .16  

Pro forma

   $ .07     $ .00     $ (.20 )   $ .14  

 

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding in each quarter. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all shares that would have been outstanding if every potentially dilutive common share had been issued. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculations of basic and diluted EPS for each period presented in the accompanying financial statements:

 

     Three Months Ended

   Nine Months Ended

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

  

October 2,

2004


  

September 27,

2003


  

October 2,

2004


   

September 27,

2003


Numerators:

                            

Net income (loss) numerators for both basic and diluted EPS

   $ 1,543    $ 301    $ (2,904 )   $ 3,274
    

  

  


 

Denominators:

                            

Denominators for basic EPS Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     20,814,684      20,533,257      20,732,936       20,338,221

Potentially dilutive shares

                            

Shares subject to redemption agreements

     —        —        —         119,883

Stock options

     359,725      177,845      —         114,104
    

  

  


 

Denominators for diluted EPS

     21,174,409      20,711,102      20,732,936       20,572,208
    

  

  


 

 

For the nine months ended October 2, 2004, the Company incurred a loss; therefore, a dilutive share calculation is not presented because to do so would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share. Had the Company not recorded a loss, certain exercisable stock options would not be included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option prices were

 

9


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE- continued

 

greater than the average market prices in each quarter. The number of stock options that would not have been included in the computation of diluted EPS and the range of exercise prices was 609,100 and $14.50 - $19.50. Certain shares subject to redemption agreements (see Note 11) were considered dilutive in 2003. Also in 2003, certain exercisable stock options were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option prices were greater than the average market prices in each quarter. The number of stock options not included in the computation of diluted EPS and the range of exercise prices was 903,500 and $11.00 - $19.50.

 

NOTE 9—COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) consisted of net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized loss on short-term investments. Comprehensive income (loss) was $1.5 and $(2.9) million for the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2004; and $0.2 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 27, 2003.

 

NOTE 10-ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

 

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company acquired Moniga Gremmo S.r.l., an industrial and ink formulation software developer located in Milan, Italy for $0.7 million in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company obtained all operating assets, software code, intellectual property and customer relationships. This acquisition will give the Company access to new markets and customers in Western Europe and provide additional software capabilities. The acquired products will be integrated with existing X-Rite products within the next twelve months. Final determination and allocation of intangible asset values will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

On June 30, 2004, the Company sold the primary assets of its Coherix subsidiary for $0.8 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchaser received all operating assets and intellectual property of the Company. The purchaser made an initial payment of $0.1 million with the remaining balance secured by a non-interest bearing note due in installments over a six-year period. The Company will record gains on the sale as payments are received on the note. As a result, the Company has recorded a deferred gain on the balance sheet of approximately $0.3 million, representing the discounted value of the note.

 

In March 2003, the Company acquired the ColoRx ® spectrophotometer product line and related assets of Thermo Electron Corporation for $0.5 million. The Company has assumed service and support for the current installed base of ColoRx as part of the transaction. In an event related to this transaction, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with Benjamin Moore & Co. to be the preferred provider of color management solutions to Benjamin Moore authorized dealers. Prior to the acquisition, Thermo Electron was the preferred provider of color measurement equipment to Benjamin Moore & Co.

 

In April 2003, the Company acquired the ccDot meter product line of Centurfax Ltd. for $1.5 million, including all intellectual property and related software for the products. Centurfax Ltd. is a London based company that develops and distributes products serving the pre-press and printing industries. The acquired products consist of quality control instruments that ensure accurate measurement of film, offset litho plates and digital proofing solutions.

 

On July 1, 2003, the Company acquired the assets of Monaco Systems Incorporated of Andover, Massachusetts, a leading developer of color management software to the graphic arts and photographic markets valued at $11.0 million. The purchase price included a cash payment of $7.0 million and X-Rite common stock valued at $2.5 million. In addition, the seller is also eligible for contingent payouts of $0.75 million in cash and $0.75 million in X-Rite common stock.

 

The results of Monaco Systems’ operations have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

 

10


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 10-ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES- continued

 

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the nine month period ended September 27, 2003 assumes the acquisition of Monaco Systems occurred as of the beginning of the period (in thousands, except per share data).

 

Net sales

   $ 81,423

Net income

     3,712

Earnings per share:

      

Basic

   $ 0.18

Diluted

   $ 0.18

 

The pro forma results above include certain adjustments to give effect to amortization of goodwill and certain other adjustments and related income tax effects. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of the period presented.

 

NOTE 11–FOUNDERS’ STOCK REDEMPTION AGREEMENTS

 

During 1998, the Company entered into agreements with its founding shareholders for the future repurchase of 4.5 million shares of the Company’s outstanding stock. The stock purchases will occur following the later of the death of each founder and his spouse. The price the Company will pay the founders’ estates for these shares will reflect a 10 percent discount from the average closing price for the ninety trading days preceding the later death of the founder and his spouse, although the discounted price may not be less than $10 per share (a total of $45.4 million) or more than $25 per share (a total of $113.5 million). The cost of the purchase agreements will ultimately be funded by $160.0 million of proceeds from life insurance policies the Company has purchased on the lives of certain of these individuals. However the stock purchases may not necessarily coincide with the receipt of insurance proceeds; therefore, borrowed funds may be needed from time to time to finance the Company’s purchase obligations. Insurance was purchased at the $160.0 million level in order to cover both the maximum aggregate purchase price and anticipated borrowing costs.

 

The Company purchased 1,120,000 shares at $10 per share or $11.2 million under the terms of the agreement in January 2002. This founder was not insured; therefore, as anticipated at the time the agreement was entered into, the Company funded this obligation with cash and short-term investments.

 

In July 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 generally requires liability classification for classes of financial instruments that represent, or are indexed to, an obligation to buy back the issuer’s shares. Many of the financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 150 were previously classified by the issuer as equity or temporary equity. This Statement requires the Company to reclassify its temporary shareholders’ investment related to the Founders Shares Redemption program to a long-term liability. Future changes in the valuation of the liability, as well as dividend payments on the program shares will be classified as interest expense. Because the underlying shares in the program are the Company’s common stock, they will remain as a component of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share preceding that date.

 

The remaining shares subject to the agreements have been classified on the balance sheet as a long-term liability. The valuation of $43.2 million at October 2, 2004 was determined by multiplying the applicable shares by $12.62 which represents the average closing price of the Company’s common stock, after applying the 10 percent discount, for the ninety trading days preceding that date. At January 3, 2004, the valuation of $34.9 million was determined by multiplying the applicable shares by $10.19 which represents the average closing price of the Company’s common stock, after applying the 10 percent discount, for the ninety trading days preceding that date. The increase in the value of this liability in 2004 was classified as interest expense and included as a component of other income (expense).

 

Quarterly dividend payments of $0.09 million were paid on Founders’ program shares during each of the first three quarters of 2004 and 2003. The third quarter 2003 payment, as well as all of the 2004 payments have been classified as interest expense as required by SFAS No. 150. The first two 2003 payments were prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 and therefore have been classified as a reduction in shareholders’ equity.

 

11


X-RITE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 12—CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES

 

On February 19, 2002, Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc. and Shade Analyzing Technologies, Inc. commenced litigation in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, alleging infringement of certain U.S. patents by the Company’s ShadeVision system. In August 2003, the Company entered into a confidential settlement agreement with the plaintiffs under which the Company has a worldwide license to use the patented technology. The resolution of this matter did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company is also involved in other legal proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings related to product, labor and other matters. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. The Company records amounts for losses that are deemed probable and subject to reasonable estimate. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Pursuant to a standby letter of credit agreement, the Company has provided a financial guarantee to a third party on behalf of its subsidiary located in England. The term of the letter of credit is one year, with an automatic renewal provision at the grantor’s discretion. The face amount of the agreement is approximately $0.2 million at October 2, 2004.

 

The Company’s product warranty reserves and operating lease commitments are not significant.

 

NOTE 13—SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

In November of 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Protection Rights Plan (“Plan”), which was implemented in the first quarter of 2002. The Plan is designed to protect shareholders against unsolicited attempts to acquire control of the Company in a manner that does not offer a fair price to all shareholders.

 

Under the Plan, one purchase right automatically trades with each share of the Company’s common stock. Each Right entitles a shareholder to purchase 1/100 of a share of junior participating preferred stock at a price of $30, if any person or group attempts certain hostile takeover tactics toward the Company. Under certain hostile circumstances, each Right may entitle the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock at one-half its market value or to purchase the securities of any acquiring entity at one-half their market value. Rights are subject to redemption by the Company at $.005 per Right and, unless earlier redeemed, will expire in the first quarter of 2012. Rights beneficially owned by holders of 15 percent or more of the Company’s common stock, or their transferees and affiliates, automatically become void.

 

12


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

 

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, as well as other sections of the Company’s Form 10-Q, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the industries it serves, the economy, and about the Company itself. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, X-Rite, Incorporated undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements concerning liquidity, capital resources needs, tax rates, dividends and potential new markets.

 

The Company also reports certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is defined as a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Balance Sheets, or Statements of Cash Flows of the Company. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, each non-GAAP financial measure is immediately preceded with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and the difference in all cases is the exclusion of items the Company considers “non-recurring” due to their nature, size, or infrequency. Those items included as specific items are discussed in several sections of this discussion and analysis. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented because we monitor our business using this information, and we believe that it gives a more meaningful comparison of the results of our core business operations.

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis describes the principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources, as well as the critical accounting policies, of X-Rite, Incorporated (also referred to as “X-Rite” and “the Company”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, which include additional information about the Company’s significant accounting policies, practices and transactions that underlie its financial results.

 

Overview of Third Quarter and Year to Date Results for 2004

 

During the third quarter of 2004, the Company continued to achieve growth in its sales and operating income. Highlights include:

 

  Highest third quarter sales in Company history

 

  Ninth consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales growth

 

  Operating income growth of 117% versus prior year third quarter

 

The Company reported net sales of $27.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $26.8 million in the third quarter last year, an increase of 1.1 percent. Operating income increased 117 percent to $1.4 million for the quarter compared to $0.6 million in the prior year. Gross margins increased to 65.0 percent in the third quarter of 2004 compared to 62.5 percent in 2003 due to product mix, hardware and software bundling and manufacturing efficiencies. Operating income was 5.1 percent of sales in the third quarter of 2004 as compared to 2.4 percent in the prior year period. Net income for the quarter was $1.5 million or 7 cents per diluted share versus $0.3 million and 1 cent per diluted share for the comparable period last year.

 

Included in earnings was a tax benefit of $0.6 million recorded in the third quarter as a result of amended filings of its 2000 through 2002 tax positions related to R&D credits and foreign sales.

 

For the nine months ended October 2, 2004, net sales were $87.5 million, an 11.3 percent increase over $78.6 million of net sales in the prior year period. Operating income for the nine-month period was $ 7.9 million, which represents a 65.8 percent increase over the same period in 2003. Net loss for the nine months was $2.9 million or 14 cents per share versus net income of $3.3 million, or 16 cents per diluted share for the comparable period last year. The nine-month results for 2004 contain $8.6 million of non-cash interest charges related to the accounting under SFAS No. 150 for stock repurchase agreements with the Company’s founders. Net income, excluding the SFAS No. 150 charge was $5.6 million, or 27 cents per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2004, an increase of 64.7 percent over 2003.

 

13


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

The following table reconciles the Company’s adjusted results to GAAP net income (loss) and earnings per share, for both year to date and the third quarters of 2004 and 2003 respectively: (in thousands except for per share data)

 

     For the Three Months Ended

   For the Nine Months Ended

 
     October 2, 2004

   September 27, 2003

   October 2, 2004

    September 27, 2003

 
          EPS

        EPS

         EPS

          EPS

 

Net income (loss) (GAAP basis)

   $ 1,543    $ 0.07    $ 301    $ 0.01    $ (2,904 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 3,274     $ 0.16  

Specific items (net of tax):

                                                            

SFAS No. 150 adjustment

     60      0.00      —        —        8,551       0.41       —         —    

Expense reimbursement from customer

     —        —        —        —        —         —         (680 )     (0.03 )
    

  

  

  

  


 


 


 


Net income and earnings per share excluding specific items

   $ 1,603    $ 0.07    $ 301    $ 0.01    $ 5,647     $ 0.27     $ 2,594     $ 0.13  
    

  

  

  

  


 


 


 


 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net Sales

 

The Company recorded sales of $27.1 and $87.5 million for the third quarter and year to date 2004, respectively. This represents the largest third quarter sales in our history as well as the ninth consecutive quarter of year over year sales growth. Strong sales in Europe, Asia and Latin America offset a decline of approximately 11 percent in North America in the third quarter. In the third quarter, two principal color product lines, Retail and Graphic Arts, posted 2 percent sales declines that were offset by robust sales growth in our Industrial product line. Quarterly and year to date sales for the same periods in 2003 were $26.8 and $78.6 million, respectively. On a percentage basis, quarterly and year to date sales increased 1.1 and 11.3 percent respectively in 2004 as compared to 2003. Favorable changes in foreign exchange rates accounted for $0.7 and $2.1 million of the quarterly and year to date sales increases in 2004.

 

Sales for the Graphic Arts product lines were $12.0 million for the third quarter as compared to $12.4 million for the third quarter of 2003, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 3.2 percent. Year to date sales were $39.0 million in 2004, and $35.9 million in 2003, an increase of $3.1 million or 8.6 percent. Our Graphics Arts products are geared toward both the Printing and Imaging industries, where we serve the commercial and package printers as well as the photographic, graphic design, pre-press and on-demand printing industries. Sales for the third quarter of 2004 continue to be strong in the printing lines which increased 13.7 percent over the same quarter in 2003. Imaging sales in North America, our largest market, have slowed in the third quarter resulting in a decrease of 16.8 percent, as compared to the third quarter of 2003. On a year to date basis, printing and imaging sales have increased 16.8 and 1.4 percent respectively over the same periods of 2003. These increases were driven by volume increases in the printing lines, as well as the introduction of new products and the integration of the ccDot and Monaco Systems product lines, which were acquired in the second and third quarters of 2003, respectively.

 

The Industrial products group, which provides products and services to the automotive and industrial coatings market, has continued to show strong sales gains in 2004. Sales for the third quarter of 2004 were $7.2 million compared to $6.2 million in the comparable quarter of 2003, an increase of $1.0 million, or 16.1 percent. Year to date sales in 2004 were $22.6 million, compared to $18.4 million in 2003, an increase of $4.2 million or 22.8 percent. The strengthening of capital goods spending outside of North America, sales of the new benchtop product line and favorable exchange rates in Europe were the primary drivers of these gains.

 

The Retail products group, which provides product solutions to the paint and home décor industry, recorded sales of $3.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 and 2003. Year to date sales were $13.3 million in 2004, compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2003, an increase of $2.0 million or 17.7 percent. The third quarter has historically been a slower quarter for retail products. The year-over-year sales increases are attributable to increased sales penetration among the large retail chains and major paint companies, continued product rollouts under the Benjamin Moore agreement which was signed in conjunction with the ColoRx product line acquisition in March 2003, and further development of European markets.

 

Labsphere recorded sales of $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2004, compared to $2.7 million for the comparable quarter of 2003, an increase of $0.1 million, or 3.7 percent. On a year to date basis, sales were $8.2 million in 2004, compared to $7.7 million in 2003, an increase of $0.5 million, or 6.5 percent.

 

Other product sales, which consist primarily of products for the medical and dental professions, were $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2004, compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2003, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 18.8 percent. Year to date sales were $4.4 million in 2004 as compared to $5.4 million in 2003, a decrease of $1.0 million or 18.5 percent. Much of this decline is due to a revised pricing structure for the Shade Vision product line agreed to in connection with a new marketing agreement reached at the end of 2003 with Sullivan Schein, Inc. This agreement grants Sullivan Schein exclusive sales and marketing privileges in North America. In return for reduced pricing, Sullivan Schein has assumed all sales and marketing costs.

 

14


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

Sales gains have been recorded for all regions outside of North America on both a quarterly and year to date basis in 2004, compared to 2003. These gains are attributable to both volume increases and favorable foreign exchange rates. The largest foreign exchange impact is in Europe where sales have increased 27.5 and 23.2 percent on a quarterly and yearly basis respectively, as compared to 2003, before excluding the impact of account foreign exchange rates. After adjusting for the change in foreign exchange rates, the comparative gains were 15.1 and 11.1 percent respectively. Sales in the Asia Pacific region have grown 9.4 and 33.2 percent for the quarter and year to date respectively in 2004, as compared to 2003. Foreign exchange rates have a nominal effect in this region, as most sales are billed in U.S. dollars or currencies pegged to the dollar. Sales in the Latin America region, the Company’s smallest sales region, have grown 50.9 and 13.9 percent on a quarterly and yearly basis as compared to 2003. Sales into this region are billed in U.S dollars. North American sales grew by 1.9 percent on a year over year basis in 2004, but declined 11.1 percent for the third quarter as compared to the comparable quarter in 2003.

 

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

 

Gross profit percentages were 65.0 percent for both the quarter and year to date in 2004, as compared to 62.5 and 63.1 percent for the comparable periods in 2003. Gross margins in 2004 have benefited from several factors:

 

  Improved manufacturing absorption

 

  Increased sales of combined hardware and software product solutions

 

  Acquisitions

 

Increased sales volumes have allowed for higher absorption of factory overhead costs and increased profitability on product sales outside of the United Sales, as the underlying product costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. Our product mix continues to shift toward complete product solutions which include increased software and service components. These products and services typically provide higher margins than those realized from instrument sales. Many of the new software products are being developed by Monaco Systems, which was acquired in July 2003.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $16.3 million and $49.0 million for the third quarter and nine months, respectively, compared to $16.1 million and $44.9 million respectively for the comparable periods in 2003. The year over year increases were $0.2 million or 1.2 percent for the quarter and $4.1 million or 9.1 percent year to date. In the first quarter of 2003, we received a one-time payment of $1.0 million for the reimbursement of expenses in connection with renegotiation of a customer supply agreement, which was classified as a reduction of general and administrative expenses, thereby lowering that line item. Had this transaction not occurred, the year to date increase in total operating expenses would have been $3.1 million or 6.8 percent.

 

Changes in foreign exchange rates also accounted for $0.3 and $0.8 million of additional operating expenses for the third quarter and nine months, respectively, as compared to 2003.

 

The following table compares year to date operating expense components as a percentage of net sales with adjustment for the aforementioned customer expense reimbursement. This metric is an important element of the Company’s strategic planning process. (dollars in millions)

 

Operating Expenses

 

   2004

    2003 As Reported

    2003 As Adjusted

 
     Amount

  

Percentage

of Net Sales


    Amount

  

Percentage

of Net Sales


    Amount

  

Percentage

of Net Sales


 

Selling and marketing

   $ 24.1    27.5 %   $ 22.5    28.6 %   $ 22.5    28.6 %

General and administrative:

     12.7    14.5 %     11.8    15.0 %     11.8    15.0 %

Expense reimbursement from customer

     —      —         —      —         1.0    1.3 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Subtotal General and administrative

     12.7    14.5 %     11.8    15.0 %     12.8    16.3 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Research, development and engineering

     12.2    13.9 %     10.6    13.5 %     10.6    13.5 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total operating expenses

   $ 49.0    55.9 %   $ 44.9    57.1 %   $ 45.9    58.4 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

15


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

Selling and marketing expenses were $7.7 million for the third quarter of 2004, as compared to $8.1 million for the comparable quarter of 2003, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 4.9 percent. This decrease was driven by reduced expenses for the dental products group and lower trade show expenditures, and partially offset higher commissions and foreign exchange rates. Year to date costs in 2004 were $24.1 million compared to $22.5 million in 2003, an increase of $1.6 million or 7.1 percent. The yearly increases reflect higher costs for sales personnel, unfavorable foreign exchange rate fluctuations and the reclassification in 2004 of certain costs from general and administrative. In addition, costs totaling $0.7 million were incurred in the first six months of 2004 for the DRUPA Graphic Arts trade show, which is held in Germany every four years. DRUPA is the largest graphic arts trade show in the world and is held over a sixteen-day period. As a percentage of sales, sales and marketing expenses have dropped 1.1 percent on a year over year basis.

 

General and administrative expenses were $4.3 million for the third quarter of 2004, compared to $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2003, and increase of $0.4 million or 10.3 percent. Year to date expenses in 2004 were $12.7 million compared to $11.8 million in 2003, and increase of $0.9 million, or 7.6 percent. These increases are attributable to higher health care costs, professional fees and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. In addition, 2003 expenses were lowered by a release payment of $1.0 million received in the first quarter of 2003 in connection with the renegotiation of a customer supply agreement. Had this payment not occurred, year to date 2003 expenses would have exceeded 2004 expenses by $0.1 million. Year to date general and administrative expense for Monaco Systems were $0.8 million in 2004 compared to $0.3 million in 2003, for which only expenses after the acquisition date of July 1 were included. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses have decreased to 14.5 percent year to date in 2004, compared to 15.0 percent for the same period in 2003.

 

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expenses were $4.3 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $4.1 million for comparable quarter of 2003, an increase of $0.2 million, or 4.9 percent. On a year to date basis, RD&E expenses were $12.2 million in 2004, compared to $10.6 million in 2003, an increase of $1.6 million or 15.1 percent. Included in the 2004 year to date expenses are $1.0 million of RD&E associated with Monaco Systems, compared to $0.3 million for 2003, which is expenses incurred after the acquisition. The overall increase in RD&E spending reflects our increased new product development. This development is focused in our core color markets to develop a wider array of total product solutions offering advanced instrumentation and related software. As a percentage of sales RD&E spending is 13.9 percent for year to date 2004, compared to 13.5 percent for the comparable period in 2003. We anticipate spending will remain in the 12 to 14 percent of sales range for the foreseeable future.

 

Other Income

 

Other income consists of investment income, and gains and losses from foreign exchange. The Company’s investment portfolio consists of short-term tax-exempt variable rate demand notes, mutual funds and corporate securities.

 

For the first nine months of 2004, the Company recorded other losses of $0.3 million, compared to income of $0.2 million for the same period of 2003. The year over year change is attributable to currency exchange losses generated by the foreign sales offices.

 

Interest Expense

 

The Company has recorded $0.1 million and $8.6 million of interest expense for the third quarter and nine months, respectively. Almost all of this expense has been recorded in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 150. As discussed more fully in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and below in financing and investing activities, these costs represent a potential increase in the ultimate payout under the Founders’ Shares redemption program, as well as dividend payments made on program shares. Future charges related to SFAS No. 150 are tied to changes in the price of the Company’s stock; therefore it is not possible to project with any certainty the impact on future earnings.

 

Write Down of Other Investments

 

At September 27, 2003, the Company had $3.3 million related to investments made by its strategic venture capital group, XR Ventures, LLC, and (XRV). Each investment represented less than 20 percent of the ownership of the respective portfolio companies. Since the Company did not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of each investee, the investments were recorded at cost.

 

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of each investment to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost has occurred. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, the carrying value is adjusted to the current fair value and a loss is recognized. At various times in 2003, comprehensive assessments of the continuing value of each investment were performed. Based on the continued erosion of the venture capital markets, the technology sectors of the economy and specific reviews of its portfolio, we concluded that the value of these investments has been permanently impaired. Therefore, a charge of $3.4 million was recorded in December 2003. As of January 3, 2004, all venture capital investments have been fully impaired.

 

16


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

Although the Company continues to hold positions in several XR Ventures’ portfolio companies, no future investments in the remaining portfolio companies will be made, except where necessary to protect any existing investments.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2004. Pre-tax income was $1.4 million for the quarter. On a year to date basis, income tax expense was $1.9 million, and our pre tax loss was $1.0 million. A tax benefit of $0.6 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2004 as a result of amended filings of our 2000 through 2002 tax positions related to R&D credits and foreign sales. Had this benefit not been taken, our effective rate would have been 32.0 percent for the quarter. The year to date provision calculation is negatively impacted by the non tax-deductible aspects of the Founders’ Shares redemption program adjustments. As previously noted, we do not believe it is possible to project future adjustments to the Founders’ Shares redemption liability with certainty, as they are directly tied to stock price changes. The Company’s tax rates for the third quarter and year to date 2004, excluding the impact of the Founders’ Shares redemption charges and the tax benefit of $0.6 million, were 30.6 and 33.4 percent respectively. The third quarter and year to date tax rates in 2003, were 28.0 and 29.5 percent, respectively. The U.S statutory rate for both tax years was 35.0 percent. Both years’ effective tax rates have benefited from the execution of certain international tax strategies and tax credits.

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

The Company reported a net income of $1.5 million for the third quarter and a net loss of $2.9 million for the nine-month period, in 2004. For the comparable periods in 2003, the Company recorded net income of $0.3 and $3.3 million respectively. On a per share basis, the 2004 net income (loss) per share was $.07 for the third quarter and $(.14) for the nine months. In 2003, fully diluted earnings per share were $.01 and $.16 for the third quarter and nine months respectively.

 

The average number of common shares outstanding was slightly higher in 2004 due to issuance of common stock in connection with the Company’s stock options and employee stock purchase plans. Common stock equivalent calculations were not presented for the year to date loss in 2004 due to the anti-dilutive effect they have on earnings per share calculations when there is a net loss.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As highlighted in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, our liquidity and available capital resources are impacted by four key components: (i) current cash and cash equivalents, (ii) operating activities, (iii) investing activities and (iv) financing activities. Each of these components is discussed below.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

At October 2, 2004, our cash and cash equivalents aggregated $9.6 million compared to $10.8 million at January 3, 2004, a decrease of $1.2 million or 11.1 percent. At October 2, 2004, $6.6 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by our subsidiaries outside of the United States.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.8 and $9.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 respectively. In 2004, net cash provided by operating activities consisted of a net loss of $2.9 million adjusted for non-cash items of $13.1 million and net cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1.4 million. The 2004 adjustments for non-cash items included $8.3 million for the increase in the value of shares subject to redemption agreements and $4.3 million in depreciation and amortization charges. Operating funds were also provided by a decrease in accounts receivable of $4.3 million, offset by an increase in inventory levels of $1.6 million and increases in accounts payable and other current and non-current liabilities of $1.6 and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

In 2003, funds provided by operations consisted of net income of $3.3 million, non-cash adjustments of $5.4 million and cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $0.5 million. The largest non-cash adjustment in 2003 consisted of depreciation and amortization charges of $4.2 million. Funds provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included $2.5 million provided by a decrease in accounts receivable, which was offset by increases in other current and non current assets and inventory of $1.2 and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

In July 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Statement 150 generally requires liability classification for classes of financial instruments that represent, or are indexed to, an obligation to buy back the issuer’s shares. Many of the financial instruments within the scope of Statement 150 were previously classified by the issuer as equity or temporary equity. This Statement requires the Company to reclassify its temporary shareholders’ investment related to

 

17


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

the Founders’ Shares Redemption program to a long-term liability. Because the underlying shares in the program are the Company’s common stock, they will remain as a component of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. In addition, future changes in the valuation of the liability, as well as dividend payments on the program shares will be classified as interest expense.

 

The remaining shares subject to the agreements have been classified on the balance sheet as a long-term liability. The valuation at October 2, 2004 of $43.2 million was determined by multiplying the applicable shares by $12.62 which represents the average closing price of the Company’s common stock, after applying the 10 percent discount, for the ninety trading days proceeding quarter end. At January 3, 2004, the valuation of $34.9 million was determined by multiplying the applicable shares by $10.19. Increases in the value of this liability are classified as interest expense and included as a component of other income (expense).

 

The Company is in the process of reaching an agreement with the remaining Founders to terminate all of the Founders’ Stock Repurchase Agreements during the fourth quarter of 2004. As a result of terminating these agreements, the Company expects to reverse charges of approximately $9.0 million related to the increase in the value of the agreements that has occurred since the adoption on July 1, 2003, of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (SFAS No. 150), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. Upon reversal of these charges, the remaining $34.2 million, representing the fair value of the Redemption Agreements as of the adoption of SFAS No. 150, will be reclassified to shareholders’ equity. No Founder Stock Repurchase Agreements will remain in effect. The Company is in the process of reviewing a related insurance program that was put in place to fund the repurchase of the shares under the Founders’ Agreements.

 

Investing Activities

 

The most significant components of the Company’s investment activities are (i) capital expenditures, (ii) insurance costs related to the founders’ shares redemption program, (iii) strategic acquisitions and (iv) short term investment purchases and sales.

 

Net cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of 2004, was $11.2 million, as compared to $10.9 million for the comparable period in 2003, an increase of $0.3 million, or 2.8 percent. Significant cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 2004 included the founders’ life insurance premiums of $4.2 million, capital expenditures of $4.7 million and an increase in other assets of $2.0 million. Funding for these activities was generated by operating cash flows and periodic sales of short-term investments. For the first nine months of 2003, cash outflows included $9.4 million for acquisition activities, founders’ life insurance costs and capital expenditures of $4.4 and $2.3 million, respectively. These needs were funded through operating cash flows and the sale of $7.2 million in short term investments.

 

As of October 2, 2004, the Company had short-term investments of $3.1 million, compared to $3.4 million at January 3, 2004. The Company’s portfolio consists primarily of tax-free variable rate demand notes and mutual funds. An allowance for unrealized gains and losses related to this portfolio has been established. Changes to the allowance are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. The allowance was $0.5 million at both October 2, and January 3, 2004.

 

Capital expenditures on a year–to-date basis totaled $4.7 million in 2004. These expenditures were made primarily for machinery, equipment, computer hardware and software. Capital expenditures for the comparable period of 2003 were $2.3 million. We anticipate capital expenditures for the remaining three months of 2004 will be approximately $3.1 million. The emphasis of these expenditures will focus on global information technology upgrades to support both current operations and an expanded research and development efforts and continued upgrades will also be made in our manufacturing capabilities.

 

During 1998 the Company entered into agreements with its founding shareholders for the future repurchase of 4.5 million shares of the Company’s outstanding stock. The stock purchases will occur following the later of the death of each founder and his spouse. The price the Company will pay the founders’ estates for these shares will reflect a 10 percent discount from the average closing price for the ninety trading days preceding the later death of the founder and his spouse, although the discounted price may not be less than $10 per share (a total of $45.4 million) or more than $25 per share (a total of $113.5 million). The cost of the purchase agreements will be funded by $160.0 million of proceeds from life insurance policies the Company has purchased on the lives of certain of these individuals. We anticipate that stock purchases will not coincide with the receipt of insurance proceeds; therefore, borrowed funds may be needed from time to time to finance the Company’s purchase obligations. Insurance was purchased at the $160.0 million level in order to cover both the maximum aggregate purchase price and anticipated borrowing costs. Life insurance premiums total $4.3 million each year while all the policies remain in effect. At October 2, 2004, policies are in force with three companies with a net cash surrender value of $25.2 million. The Company purchased 1.12 million shares at $10 per share or $11.2 million under the terms of the agreement in January 2002. This founder was not insured; therefore, as anticipated at the time the agreement was entered into, the Company funded this obligation with cash and short-term investments.

 

Financing Activities

 

The Company’s principal financing activities are the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options and shares purchased in the employee stock purchase plan and the payment of dividends on its common stock outstanding.

 

For the first nine months of 2004, financing activities have provided cash of $1.2 million versus a use of $1.0 million in cash for the comparable period in 2003.

 

18


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

In 2004, 289,699 shares have been issued under employee stock options and purchase plans which generated $2.5 million of cash. For the first nine months of 2003, 66,618 shares were issued under employee stock options and purchase plans which generated $0.5 million of cash.

 

The Company has paid quarterly dividends at a rate of $.025 per share in both 2004 and 2003. These payments have required the use of $1.3 and $1.4 million of cash in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Dividend payments related to shares in the Founders’ Share Redemption program, after July 1, 2003, are classified as interest expense and included as a component of other income and (expense) in accordance with SFAS No. 150. These payments have totaled $0.3 and $0.09 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In September 2000, the Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program of up to one million shares of outstanding stock. The timing of the program and amount of the stock repurchases will be dictated by overall financial and market conditions. There were no shares repurchased in 2004, 2003 or 2002 under this program. During 2001, the Company repurchased 231,364 shares at an average cost of $7.56 per share.

 

The Company believes its current liquidity, future cash flows, short-term investments and bank credit lines give it the financial resources to meet its expected requirements for the foreseeable future. These requirements include the funding of operations, life insurance premiums, and capital expenditures. Should additional funding be required, supplemental borrowing arrangements are the most probable alternative for meeting capital resource and liquidity needs. The Company maintains a revolving line of credit of $20 million and a capital expenditure line of credit of $5 million. At October 2, 2004, there were no balances outstanding for either line of credit.

 

Acquisitions and Divestitures

 

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company acquired Moniga Gremmo S.r.l., an industrial and ink formulation software developer located in Milan, Italy for $0.7 million in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, we obtained all operating assets, software code, intellectual property and customer relationships. This acquisition will give the Company access to new markets and customers in Western Europe and provide additional software capabilities. The acquired products will be integrated with existing X-Rite products within the next twelve months. Final determination and allocation of intangible asset values will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

On June 30, 2004, the Company sold the primary assets of its Coherix subsidiary for $0.8 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchaser received all operating assets and intellectual property. The purchaser made an initial payment of $0.1 million with the remaining balance secured by a non-interest bearing note due in installments over a six-year period. The Company will record gains on the sale as payments are received on the note. As a result, the Company has recorded a deferred gain on the balance sheet of approximately $0.3 million, representing the discounted value of the note.

 

On July 1, 2003, the Company acquired the assets of Monaco Systems Incorporated of Andover, Massachusetts, a leading developer of color management software to the graphic arts and photographic markets in a transaction valued at $11.0 million. The purchase price included a cash payment of $7.0 million and X-Rite common stock valued at $2.5 million. In addition, the seller is also eligible for contingent payouts of $0.75 million in cash and $0.75 million in X-Rite common stock.

 

In April 2003, the Company acquired the ccDot meter product line of Centurfax Ltd. for $1.5 million, including all intellectual property and related software for the products. Centurfax Ltd. is a London based company that develops and distributes products serving the pre-press and printing industries. The acquired products consist of quality control instruments that ensure accurate measurement of film, offset litho plates and digital proofing solutions.

 

In March 2003, the Company acquired the ColoRx ® spectrophotometer product line and related assets of Thermo Electron Corporation for $0.5 million. The Company has assumed service and support for the current installed base of ColoRx as part of the transaction. In an event related to this transaction, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with Benjamin Moore & Co. to be the preferred provider of color management solutions to Benjamin Moore authorized dealers. Prior to the acquisition, Thermo Electron was the preferred provider of color measurement equipment to Benjamin Moore & Co.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In some instances, there may be alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. Management maintains a thorough process to review the application of accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information.

 

19


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

The Company has no significant off balance sheet transactions other than operating leases for equipment, real estate and vehicles. It is not the Company’s policy to issue guarantees to third parties

 

The Company is exposed to a variety of risks including foreign currency exchange fluctuations, and market volatility in its investment and insurance portfolios. In the normal course of business, established procedures are employed to evaluate risks and take corrective actions when necessary to manage these exposures. The Company is not a party to any derivative instruments

 

Management has discussed the development and selection of the Company’s accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. There have been no material changes in estimates or accounting policies during the nine months ended October 2, 2004.

 

20


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

During 1998, the Company entered into agreements with its founding shareholders for the future repurchase of 4.5 million shares of the Company’s outstanding stock, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of these arrangements. Changes in the Company’s stock price will vary the ultimate payout under the agreements within the prescribed price ranges, as well as reported results of operations for the periods during which the changes occur.

 

During the first nine months of 2004, there were no material changes in foreign exchange risk. The founders stock redemption program valuation has increased by $8.3 million. The change in valuation was recorded as interest expense.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1   Legal Proceedings—None
Item 2   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds —None
Item 3   Defaults upon Senior Securities—None
Item 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders—None
Item 5   Other Information—None
Item 6   Exhibits
   

Exhibit Index


31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and President of X-Rite, Incorporated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of X-Rite, Incorporated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
32.2    Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

 

21


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    X-RITE, INCORPORATED
November 11, 2004  

/s/ Michael C. Ferrara


    Michael C. Ferrara
    Chief Executive Officer
November 11, 2004  

/s/ Mary E. Chowning


    Mary E. Chowning, Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

 

22